The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) office inaugurated its new premises within the Italian Embassy in Senegal. The official ceremony took place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Dakar, in the presence of the Italian Ambassador to Senegal, Caterina Bertolini, business leaders, and numerous economic stakeholders. In her opening remarks, the Ambassador welcomed the completion of this initiative and highlighted the progress made since the launch of ITA's activities in Dakar.

“I congratulate Mr. Alessandro Gerbino who, with his team, has achieved exceptional results in a short time for economic and trade relations between Italy and Senegal. These results were particularly appreciated by the Italian government during the visit of the Vice-President of the Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, last November, within the framework of the entrepreneurial forums,” she said.

The ambassador expressed particular pride that ITA had chosen to establish its offices within the embassy, in an Italian property. According to her, this location symbolizes the close cooperation between the various players in the Italian economic system present in Senegal.

Since taking office in Senegal, she says she has observed the dynamism of Italian-Senegalese relations, particularly in the economic and commercial spheres. "This is due to the great mutual interest and frequent exchanges between our two countries, facilitated by the intensification of air links between Italy and Senegal, but also thanks to the presence and enthusiasm of entrepreneurs from both countries as well as the large Senegalese diaspora established in Italy," she emphasized.

The diplomat stressed the importance of deepening mutual understanding between the two countries, an area in which the ITA plays a fundamental role. She also emphasized the need to strengthen the reciprocal sharing of information regarding markets, financial facilities, and trade and investment conditions.

"Italy is an open country that relies heavily on exports for its development, while also offering opportunities for training, technology transfer and partnerships. We are convinced that there is still significant room for improvement in our bilateral relations, to the benefit of both our countries," she said.

A platform to promote Made in Italy products in Senegal

The inauguration of the new ITA offices also served as an opportunity to highlight the growing dynamic of cooperation between Italy and Senegal. In this context, the director of ITA Dakar, Alessandro Gerbino, announced the launch of a digital platform called "Made in Italy in Senegal," designed for Italian and Senegalese organizations, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking access to Italian products and services in Senegal.

“Made in Italy in Senegal certainly means products recognized for their intrinsic quality, but also a wealth of expertise, technical knowledge, and essential support to fully capitalize on them. This ecosystem is driven by professionals based right here in Senegal,” explained Alessandro Gerbino. The director of ITA Dakar also acknowledged the support of the diplomatic authorities in the process of opening the new offices, while highlighting the crucial commitment of his teams to the success of this initiative.